“Gold and Red Memories”

a poem for my dad

A Gold Self-Winding Wristwatch

hanging on the turn signal switch

of a red ’66 Ford Mustang

that I “helped you fix up”

and that you eventually sold

to help pay for me to go to college.

Broad Shoulders

that I rode atop throughout my childhood

at school field trips

or while racing down zig-zagging hills

and driving mom crazy

somehow, I never fell.

Strong Hands and Arms

that wrapped around me

every time I cried – tears of joy

or sadness

every celebration and defeat

you experienced right along with me.

Long Legs

pacing up and down,

up and down

the hallways of school, colleges and recital halls

across the State of Texas during various piano competitions

proud of how I played, but more concerned about how I felt.

Busy Hands and a Loud Mouth

chewing sunflower seeds

in the stands at every basketball game, home or away

and fun-spirited taunts for referees

who never got the calls right

when it came to your small, intense point guard.

Kind Eyes and a Youthful Heart

both still shining so brightly (all these years later)

as you play with your namesake at the park

making my little toe-headed introvert smile and laugh

knowing you’ll help him (and his brother) reach their dreams

just as you’ve done for me.

Memories

from the past

from the present

from the future

for all of this and more,

Thank You.

When I look back at my childhood, it is not the “things” my father gave me that I remember the most. Rather it is his presence, his time, his support, his unconditional love. This I remember, and this I value so much as he gives it to me now – and to my children.

Even today, I walk taller, I live more fiercely, more boldly, more intensely and fully from the heart because I know I have his support.

Today, I invite you to thank a father. It could be your actual father or it could be another father figure who has been important in your life or in the life of a child you know.

And today, if you’re a parent, I invite you to be present to your child. Give them your time, your attention, your love. Have fun. Make memories. Celebrate. Life’s too short to live any other way.

Our world has gotten fast and busy, but we can choose to live in slow motion, to press pause, to pull our focus in another direction, to focus on what really matters. Join me.

Jennifer Fischer is co-founder of the SCV Film Festival, a mom of two, an independent filmmaker and owner of Think Ten Media Group, whose Generation Arts division offers programs for SCV youth. She writes about her parenting journey on her blog, The Good Long Road. Her commentary is published Saturdays on SCVNews.com.